The boys are back together.
On the heels of winning Best Mixologist from Denver Magazine this month, Randy Layman is leaving Vesta Dipping Grill to run the bar at Steuben’s, where his identical twin brother, Ryan Layman, is already pouring drinks. Both bars/restaurants are owned by the same people. So the brothers were already sort of working together, but in sister restaurants.
I interviewed these dudes last year when they were both working at The Avenue Grill. We talked about their involvement with air guitar, their mutual respect for the cocktail and how they are happy to be twins, but not conjoined twins.
“It’s going to be awesome,” says Ryan of their reconnecting. “Steuben’s is already my favorite bar in town — so to be able to run the bar and work with my brother again, it’s going to be cool.”
“They are an incredible team,” says Steuben’s and Vesta owner Josh Wolkon. “We had the position open, so it was about the work. But they will be behind the bar with each other. They love working together.”
So next time you order, make it a double.
To the dogs.
Again this year, I am honored to be one of the judges at Oktoberfest’s Long Dog Derby, noon today at Larimer and 20th streets.
Starting at 10 a.m., way too many weiner dogs race in categories such as “Little Links,” “Senior Schnitzels,” “Hot Dog Carts.” I am lucky enough to judge the weiner dog costume contest, which starts at noon. Last year, a dachshund dressed as airplane won.
In related doggie news, I went to Vail on Monday to try Sweet Basil’s touted foie gras corn dog. But it was off the menu! I’ll have to wait until next year. In the meantime, Sweet Basil is serving foie gras studded pork bratwurst. The guys hope to get a cookbook finished soon. We just hope the foie gras corn dog and studded brat are included.
No more nachos!
Kevin Ryan, founder, singer and lead guitarist for the local cover group The Nacho Men, is leaving the band. No bad vibrations, but after 30 years he wants to try his chops at acting and let up on the doo-whop.
“I’ve been in some small features and some commercials, so maybe I have a knack for it,” he says of the switch. “And acting gives me the same rush.”
What’s the Rush?
Do you remember Rush Rhodes? He was a smooth- talking PR guy who left town about a decade ago to find greener fields in California. Now he’s back, DBA Masters of Marketing, with major clients he says, including the Santa Fe Tavern & Grill, which used to be Hoffbrau Tavern & Grill at 1301 Santa Fe Drive. It’s cleaner — but still has a great rooftop patio and inexpensive steaks ($12 for a sirloin with all the trimmings). Rhodes promises a big opening party before Thanksgiving.
City spirit.
Denver Post sports columnist Terry Frei signed and read his new book, “Playing Piano in a Brothel” at the Tattered Cover last week. “And I still consider that Playing the Palace,” he says. Next stop: 2-4 p.m. Oct. 9 at Barnes and Noble in Lone Tree . . . Sez who: “I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read in the train.” Oscar Wilde
Bill Husted’s column appears Sunday, Tuesday and Friday. You can reach him at 303-954-1486 or at bhusted@denverpost.com. Take a peek at Husted’s next column at .
